Ultrasound-guided supraclavicular brachiocephalic vein catheterization in children: Syringe-free in-plane technique with micro-convex probe

• Published in: The journal of vascular access 2020-03, Vol.21 (2), p.241-245
• Main Authors: Balaban, Onur, Turgut, Miray, Aydın, Tayfun
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1129-7298; 1724-6032
• DOI: 10.1177/1129729819867221

Central venous catheterization of children is often a challenging procedure due to small anatomical structures. Ultrasound guidance has been shown to reduce complications and improve cannulation success as compared with the landmark-based technique. In-plane techniques allow for longitudinal visualization of the vessels and real-time visualization of needle track during its advancement. When in-plane and syringe-free techniques are combined, advancement of the guidewire can also be visualized. We aim to introduce our supraclavicular approach for brachiocephalic vein cannulation in pediatric patients. A syringe-free and in-plane technique is used to cannulate the patients. The subclavian, jugular, and the brachiocephalic veins were visualized by endocavity micro-convex ultrasound probe as a Y shape during the cannulation procedure. We present a case series of successful cannulation by using this technique.